Benchmade Knife Company announced Monday that its Oregon City facility received LEED Gold certification for an existing building, recognizing "green" efforts by the company in building operation and maintenance.

Benchmade is the first manufacturing facility to reach the Gold-level certification for an existing building. The LEED certification process for existing buildings, which was launched in 2002, identified best practices for retrofitting buildings to use less, energy, water and natural resources while improving the indoor environment.

"Our entire workforce played a role in helping us get LEED Gold," said Les de Asis, founder and CEO of Benchmade, in a statement. "These efforts will payoff in terms of both reducing our environmental impact as well as improving our bottom line."

Implemented recycling and reuse of materials as possible throughout the manufacturing facility.

Green Building Services worked with Benchmade on the certification process.

Benchmade's 50,400 square-foot manufacturing facility and headquarters is on Beavercreek Road in Oregon City. Company officials expect a return on the investment made in achieving the LEED certification, through operational efficiencies, within two years.

@SustainableBzOR | christinawilliams@bizjournals.com | 503.219.3438

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